EXPERIENCING THE SOLAR ECLIPSE
APRIL 5TH- 8TH
Benton
Carbondale
Crossroads Eclipse Festival -Southern Illinois University
SIU Carbondale in partnership with NASA is hosting a variety of world-class events and activities April 5 – 8, 2024 including ongoing lead-up events celebrating the second total solar eclipse visible from Carbondale in 7 years. Our main event, Eclipse Day at Saluki Stadium is a guided eclipse experience. This repeat performance of our award-winning 2017 stadium event has been years in the making and will be our seventh big astronomy stadium event at SIU Carbondale. Be part of history and join us for an unforgettable experience featuring stadium-scale live entertainment and activities as well as dedicated solar telescope feeds from across North America on the massive stadium scoreboard and screens throughout the area. Michelle Nichols of the Adler Planetarium of Chicago leads a cast of talented hosts and experts to guide you through this twice-in-a-lifetime event that must be experienced in person to believe. All activities throughout Eclipse weekend are thoughtfully designed to provide an enriching and unique family-friendly experience centered on the arts and sciences.
APRIL 6-8TH
Carbondale
Camping at Evergreen Park
1205 W. Pleasant Hill Road
pop-up campground
2.5 miles away from the strip
135-acre lake
playground
flushable restroom facilities
portable shower trailer
community pavilion
onsite recycling and trash receptacles
Gather and prepare for a weekend of celestial wonders. Book your camping spot now and secure your front-row seat to this once-in-a-lifetime event!
Registration
www.explorecarbondale.com/988/Carbondale-Eclipse
Carbondale, IL
The Science Center
1-4 PM
Just days before the breathtaking celestial spectacle, we're hosting an eclipse event filled with excitement and fun. Our program promises engaging activities, fun prizes, space themed snacks and a festive atmosphere that will have you eagerly anticipating the main event. Don't miss this opportunity to gather with fellow enthusiasts and make lasting memories under the stars. See you there!
April 6th- 8th
Mt.Vernon, IL
Cedarhurst Center for the Arts
Cedarhurst Center for the Arts [MT. VERNON, IL] is perfectly positioned for the Total Solar Eclipse that will occur on April 8, 2024!
Our area will experience just over 3 minutes of Totality beginning at 2:00 pm
We have developed 3 days (April 6-7-8) of “eclipse-themed" programming to heighten the awareness (for all ages) around the phenomenon.
• April 6 - Sun, Moon, and Art! a family friendly event
• April 6 - Celestial Science - an enlightening presentation by an Astronomer and an Astrochemist
• April 7 - Classical Piano Concert
• April 8 - Total Eclipse Watch Party!
All Eclipse events have capacity limits. Advance tickets/ reservations recommended.
Click the link for complete details including tickets!
cedarhurst.org/2024-total-eclipse/
April 6th- 8th
Touch of Nature
12 PM
Located in the path of totality for the 2024 Solar Eclipse, Touch of Nature is the perfect location to turn the eclipse into a fun filled experience.
The second of two once in a lifetime eclipses will be taking place in Southern Illinois and Touch of Nature is in one of the most ideal spaces for the viewing of this event. For nearly 4 minutes and 9 seconds, the sun will be completely blacked out in the middle of the day!
One extended weekend price includes lodging, all activities and all meals on Saturday/Sunday/Monday, educational sessions, and prime eclipse viewing space. All activities will take place in our main camp, Camp 2. Come prepared for traditional camp activities and a performance from the Stillhouse Junkies! Registration is open now.
April 6th-8th
Camp Ondessonk
12 PM
Join us at Camp Ondessonk to experience the astronomical wonder of The Great North American Eclipse! We are so fortunate to be in the “Eclipse Crossroads of America,” where the center line of the 2017 eclipse passed over Camp, and now it will pass directly over us again on April 8, 2024!
Whether you stay with us for the entire weekend or just for the 4 minutes and 9 seconds of totality, you won’t want to miss the breathtaking view that Camp Ondessonk offers. Tickets Required
April 6th-8th
Vienna, IL
Vienna City Park
Come to beautiful southern IL and experience the total eclipse in a small-town setting. We have events scheduled for the entire eclipse weekend.
Saturday, April 6, enjoy the Tour de Tunnel, a bike ride on the beautiful Tunnel Hill State Trail. Choose a 10-mile, 20-mile or 52-mile bike tour. See amazing sights, old railroad trestles & even a 500+ foot train tunnel you can ride through on the 20 & 52-mile routes. SAG Stations & SAG Drivers will be available during the ride times. Back at the Vienna City Park where the tours begin & end, you'll find food trucks, a DJ & a kids' fun bike ride around the park at noon (ages 2-10).
On Sunday, come back to the park and enjoy a full day (noon - 7 pm) of some of the best bluegrass & gospel music you'll ever hear. Bring your lawn chairs, grab lunch at one of our food trucks & enjoy the afternoon of music with old friends & make some new ones too. Southern Illinoisans are friendly!
Monday, April 8 is the day of the total eclipse; hence the name, Total Eclipse 5K/10K. The runs begin at 10 am. In addition to the runs, our yummy food trucks will still be in the park & 2 bands will entertain you from 10 am - 4 pm. At noon, we will have a kids' fun run around the park (ages 2-10). The partial eclipse can be seen for 2 1/2 hours & the duration of totality in Vienna is almost 4 minutes! The partial experience begins at 12:43 pm, totality will be at 2 pm & partial ends about 3:18 pm.
In addition to all the great things we have planned for the Vienna, IL Eclipse 2024 weekend, our little town is full of mom-and-pop restaurants, antique stores, a thrift store, bakery, coffee shop and more. We are in the heart of the Shawnee National Forest & very close to Ferne Clyffe State Park, Lake Glendale, Cache River Wetlands, Wildcat Bluff & the Ohio River. While in our area, visit Cairo, Thebes, the Bald Knob Cross, Little Grassy Lake, Crab Orchard Lake, Rend Lake, Fort Massac State Park, Dixon Springs State Park, the Garden of the Gods & many other natural sites & small towns.
You'll find links to the websites for both the Tour de Tunnel as well as the Total Eclipse 5K/10K on this page. Welcome to Vienna!
Benton
- Rend Lake Area Eclipse Events - April 6 - 8
- Benton Public Square 2024 Solar Eclipse - April 5 - 8
Carbondale
Crossroads Eclipse Festival -Southern Illinois University
SIU Carbondale in partnership with NASA is hosting a variety of world-class events and activities April 5 – 8, 2024 including ongoing lead-up events celebrating the second total solar eclipse visible from Carbondale in 7 years. Our main event, Eclipse Day at Saluki Stadium is a guided eclipse experience. This repeat performance of our award-winning 2017 stadium event has been years in the making and will be our seventh big astronomy stadium event at SIU Carbondale. Be part of history and join us for an unforgettable experience featuring stadium-scale live entertainment and activities as well as dedicated solar telescope feeds from across North America on the massive stadium scoreboard and screens throughout the area. Michelle Nichols of the Adler Planetarium of Chicago leads a cast of talented hosts and experts to guide you through this twice-in-a-lifetime event that must be experienced in person to believe. All activities throughout Eclipse weekend are thoughtfully designed to provide an enriching and unique family-friendly experience centered on the arts and sciences.
APRIL 6-8TH
Carbondale
Camping at Evergreen Park
1205 W. Pleasant Hill Road
pop-up campground
2.5 miles away from the strip
135-acre lake
playground
flushable restroom facilities
portable shower trailer
community pavilion
onsite recycling and trash receptacles
Gather and prepare for a weekend of celestial wonders. Book your camping spot now and secure your front-row seat to this once-in-a-lifetime event!
Registration
www.explorecarbondale.com/988/Carbondale-Eclipse
Carbondale, IL
The Science Center
1-4 PM
Just days before the breathtaking celestial spectacle, we're hosting an eclipse event filled with excitement and fun. Our program promises engaging activities, fun prizes, space themed snacks and a festive atmosphere that will have you eagerly anticipating the main event. Don't miss this opportunity to gather with fellow enthusiasts and make lasting memories under the stars. See you there!
April 6th- 8th
Mt.Vernon, IL
Cedarhurst Center for the Arts
Cedarhurst Center for the Arts [MT. VERNON, IL] is perfectly positioned for the Total Solar Eclipse that will occur on April 8, 2024!
Our area will experience just over 3 minutes of Totality beginning at 2:00 pm
We have developed 3 days (April 6-7-8) of “eclipse-themed" programming to heighten the awareness (for all ages) around the phenomenon.
• April 6 - Sun, Moon, and Art! a family friendly event
• April 6 - Celestial Science - an enlightening presentation by an Astronomer and an Astrochemist
• April 7 - Classical Piano Concert
• April 8 - Total Eclipse Watch Party!
All Eclipse events have capacity limits. Advance tickets/ reservations recommended.
Click the link for complete details including tickets!
cedarhurst.org/2024-total-eclipse/
April 6th- 8th
Touch of Nature
12 PM
Located in the path of totality for the 2024 Solar Eclipse, Touch of Nature is the perfect location to turn the eclipse into a fun filled experience.
The second of two once in a lifetime eclipses will be taking place in Southern Illinois and Touch of Nature is in one of the most ideal spaces for the viewing of this event. For nearly 4 minutes and 9 seconds, the sun will be completely blacked out in the middle of the day!
One extended weekend price includes lodging, all activities and all meals on Saturday/Sunday/Monday, educational sessions, and prime eclipse viewing space. All activities will take place in our main camp, Camp 2. Come prepared for traditional camp activities and a performance from the Stillhouse Junkies! Registration is open now.
April 6th-8th
Camp Ondessonk
12 PM
Join us at Camp Ondessonk to experience the astronomical wonder of The Great North American Eclipse! We are so fortunate to be in the “Eclipse Crossroads of America,” where the center line of the 2017 eclipse passed over Camp, and now it will pass directly over us again on April 8, 2024!
Whether you stay with us for the entire weekend or just for the 4 minutes and 9 seconds of totality, you won’t want to miss the breathtaking view that Camp Ondessonk offers. Tickets Required
April 6th-8th
Vienna, IL
Vienna City Park
Come to beautiful southern IL and experience the total eclipse in a small-town setting. We have events scheduled for the entire eclipse weekend.
Saturday, April 6, enjoy the Tour de Tunnel, a bike ride on the beautiful Tunnel Hill State Trail. Choose a 10-mile, 20-mile or 52-mile bike tour. See amazing sights, old railroad trestles & even a 500+ foot train tunnel you can ride through on the 20 & 52-mile routes. SAG Stations & SAG Drivers will be available during the ride times. Back at the Vienna City Park where the tours begin & end, you'll find food trucks, a DJ & a kids' fun bike ride around the park at noon (ages 2-10).
On Sunday, come back to the park and enjoy a full day (noon - 7 pm) of some of the best bluegrass & gospel music you'll ever hear. Bring your lawn chairs, grab lunch at one of our food trucks & enjoy the afternoon of music with old friends & make some new ones too. Southern Illinoisans are friendly!
Monday, April 8 is the day of the total eclipse; hence the name, Total Eclipse 5K/10K. The runs begin at 10 am. In addition to the runs, our yummy food trucks will still be in the park & 2 bands will entertain you from 10 am - 4 pm. At noon, we will have a kids' fun run around the park (ages 2-10). The partial eclipse can be seen for 2 1/2 hours & the duration of totality in Vienna is almost 4 minutes! The partial experience begins at 12:43 pm, totality will be at 2 pm & partial ends about 3:18 pm.
In addition to all the great things we have planned for the Vienna, IL Eclipse 2024 weekend, our little town is full of mom-and-pop restaurants, antique stores, a thrift store, bakery, coffee shop and more. We are in the heart of the Shawnee National Forest & very close to Ferne Clyffe State Park, Lake Glendale, Cache River Wetlands, Wildcat Bluff & the Ohio River. While in our area, visit Cairo, Thebes, the Bald Knob Cross, Little Grassy Lake, Crab Orchard Lake, Rend Lake, Fort Massac State Park, Dixon Springs State Park, the Garden of the Gods & many other natural sites & small towns.
You'll find links to the websites for both the Tour de Tunnel as well as the Total Eclipse 5K/10K on this page. Welcome to Vienna!
April 6th-8th
Camp Carew
Each night April 6th and 7th will feature an educational astronomy demonstration featuring naked eye observation of the prominent stars and seasonal constellations moving to observing the night sky with binoculars then zooming in with telescopic views of interesting double stars and deep space objects featuring Orion's Nebula and open star clusters.
Participants are encouraged to bring their own binoculars for the observations on the evenings of the 6th and 7th
On Monday, April 8th we plan to view the solar eclipse with a projection telescope and demonstrate how to make pin hole projectors.
If present, we will be able to view sun spots using the projection telescope.
Camp Carew
Each night April 6th and 7th will feature an educational astronomy demonstration featuring naked eye observation of the prominent stars and seasonal constellations moving to observing the night sky with binoculars then zooming in with telescopic views of interesting double stars and deep space objects featuring Orion's Nebula and open star clusters.
Participants are encouraged to bring their own binoculars for the observations on the evenings of the 6th and 7th
On Monday, April 8th we plan to view the solar eclipse with a projection telescope and demonstrate how to make pin hole projectors.
If present, we will be able to view sun spots using the projection telescope.
APRIL 8TH
Alto Pass
Bald Knob Cross
With two ticket options to choose from, Bald Knob Cross is the ideal location to set up your picnic blanket, lawn chairs, and telescopes for the more serious viewers, and experience this twice-in-a-lifetime event.
Tickets start at $50 per person and include eclipse glasses and an exclusive 2024 Eclipse t-shirt! Carry-in food and beverages are allowed and additional refreshments are available on-site for purchase.
Learn more and get your tickets:
https://www.baldknobcross.com/tickets/?fbclid=IwAR0O1qPI0oZjmiwg3j9wim_ZCC3rqrbzka0DH94zBUnM7M5MyBFcfPW7cng
Bald Knob Cross
With two ticket options to choose from, Bald Knob Cross is the ideal location to set up your picnic blanket, lawn chairs, and telescopes for the more serious viewers, and experience this twice-in-a-lifetime event.
Tickets start at $50 per person and include eclipse glasses and an exclusive 2024 Eclipse t-shirt! Carry-in food and beverages are allowed and additional refreshments are available on-site for purchase.
Learn more and get your tickets:
https://www.baldknobcross.com/tickets/?fbclid=IwAR0O1qPI0oZjmiwg3j9wim_ZCC3rqrbzka0DH94zBUnM7M5MyBFcfPW7cng
Belknap
- Cave-In-Rock State Park - 930 Sunflower Lane
- Cache River State Natural Area - 930 Sunflower Lane
- Rend Lake Area Eclipse Events - April 6 - 8
- Benton Public Square 2024 Solar Eclipse - April 5 - 8
Carterville
Walkers Bluff
9 am
Join Us for a Stellar Solar Eclipse Event at Walker's Bluff Tasting Room!
Mark your calendars for an unforgettable day of celestial wonder, delicious dining, and live entertainment at Walker's Bluff Tasting Room. From sunrise to sunset, we're celebrating the solar eclipse with activities and flavors that promise to make this astronomical event truly memorable.
Date: April 8th, 2024
Time: 9 AM - 9 PM
Location: Walker's Bluff Tasting Room
Breakfast Buffet:
Kickstart your eclipse day with our sumptuous Breakfast Buffet from 9 AM to 11 AM. Adults $16, Children $11. Indulge in a lavish spread featuring pancakes, sausage patties, bacon, scrambled eggs, yogurt, fresh fruit, and your choice of ham and cheese Quiche or veggie Quiche. A perfect beginning to a day full of wonders!
Eclipse Viewing Party:
Walker's Bluff will provide glasses for the breathtaking sight of the solar eclipse
Afternoon & Evening Tunes:
- Live Music from Radio Days: Groove from 1 PM to 4 PM to the vibrant beats of Radio Days, setting the perfect vibe for the afternoon.
- Matt Basler Takes the Stage: Continue the celebration from 5 PM to 8 PM with the soulful tunes of Matt Basler. The perfect soundtrack to end an incredible day.
DuQuoin
DuQuoin Fairgrounds
11 am- 7pm
Absolutely Free Entry: That's right, y'all! Come on down and enjoy everything the festival has to offer without spending a penny on entrance fees. It's our treat!
Family-Friendly BBQ Cook-Off: The Tipsy Pig BBQ Cook-Off isn’t just for the grown-ups. With tastes and smells that'll have everyone's mouths watering, it's a sensory adventure for the whole family. Plus, kiddos will love watching the grill masters at work!
Car Show Wonders: The DuQuoin Auto Car Show is a fantastic way for families to take a stroll among the cool cars of yesterday and today. It's like a free history lesson but way more fun, with shiny classics and sleek modern models to admire.
Music for All Ages: With the incredible Corey Evitts and Well Hungarians® taking the stage, your family can enjoy live music that’ll have you dancing and singing along. It’s a perfect way to introduce the little ones to the joy of live performances.
Kid-Centric Fun: Beyond the contests and music, we’ve got loads of activities designed just for kids.There’s plenty to keep them entertained all day long.
Where to Be: Du Quoin Fairgrounds
Date to Remember: Monday, April 8
Time to Party: 11AM-7PM
Walkers Bluff
9 am
Join Us for a Stellar Solar Eclipse Event at Walker's Bluff Tasting Room!
Mark your calendars for an unforgettable day of celestial wonder, delicious dining, and live entertainment at Walker's Bluff Tasting Room. From sunrise to sunset, we're celebrating the solar eclipse with activities and flavors that promise to make this astronomical event truly memorable.
Date: April 8th, 2024
Time: 9 AM - 9 PM
Location: Walker's Bluff Tasting Room
Breakfast Buffet:
Kickstart your eclipse day with our sumptuous Breakfast Buffet from 9 AM to 11 AM. Adults $16, Children $11. Indulge in a lavish spread featuring pancakes, sausage patties, bacon, scrambled eggs, yogurt, fresh fruit, and your choice of ham and cheese Quiche or veggie Quiche. A perfect beginning to a day full of wonders!
Eclipse Viewing Party:
Walker's Bluff will provide glasses for the breathtaking sight of the solar eclipse
Afternoon & Evening Tunes:
- Live Music from Radio Days: Groove from 1 PM to 4 PM to the vibrant beats of Radio Days, setting the perfect vibe for the afternoon.
- Matt Basler Takes the Stage: Continue the celebration from 5 PM to 8 PM with the soulful tunes of Matt Basler. The perfect soundtrack to end an incredible day.
DuQuoin
DuQuoin Fairgrounds
11 am- 7pm
Absolutely Free Entry: That's right, y'all! Come on down and enjoy everything the festival has to offer without spending a penny on entrance fees. It's our treat!
Family-Friendly BBQ Cook-Off: The Tipsy Pig BBQ Cook-Off isn’t just for the grown-ups. With tastes and smells that'll have everyone's mouths watering, it's a sensory adventure for the whole family. Plus, kiddos will love watching the grill masters at work!
Car Show Wonders: The DuQuoin Auto Car Show is a fantastic way for families to take a stroll among the cool cars of yesterday and today. It's like a free history lesson but way more fun, with shiny classics and sleek modern models to admire.
Music for All Ages: With the incredible Corey Evitts and Well Hungarians® taking the stage, your family can enjoy live music that’ll have you dancing and singing along. It’s a perfect way to introduce the little ones to the joy of live performances.
Kid-Centric Fun: Beyond the contests and music, we’ve got loads of activities designed just for kids.There’s plenty to keep them entertained all day long.
Where to Be: Du Quoin Fairgrounds
Date to Remember: Monday, April 8
Time to Party: 11AM-7PM
Marion
Mt Dew Park- Marion
Mtn Dew Park is in the path of totality on Monday, April 8, and the Family Fun will be lights out during “Total Eclipse of the Park.” Turn around, Bright Eyes and experience the Total Solar Eclipse “Thrillville-Style”!
The eclipse will take place over the course of nearly three hours with the maximum viewing time at Mtn Dew Park taking place at 2:03 pm.
Start of Partial Eclipse: 12:43 pm
Start of Total Eclipse: 1:59 pm
End of Total Eclipse: 2:03 pm
End of Partial Eclipse: 3:18 pm
Check out what the Thrillbillies have in store:
Premium Viewing of the Eclipse from the comfort of Mtn Dew Park
Join Coach Ralph Santana and Ryder the Rabbit on the field for: Corn Hole, Pedal Cart Races, Wiffle Ball Homerun Derby, Bumper Billie Battles
4-H Club has 5-star fun for the Kids on the Mtn Dew Park Concourse
Enjoy Mtn Dew Parks Better-Than-Ballpark Food and Drinks (for kids of all ages).
Tickets are $10 per person. This includes parking and a pair of Commemorative 2024 Solar Eclipse Glasses.
Tickets are available online at: https://www.etix.com/.../total-eclipse-of-the-parkapril...
For the VIP experience, you can add on a Commemorative 2024 Eclipse T-Shirt and ballpark lunch online.
For Group Tickets or questions, call the Mtn Dew Park Box Office at (618) 998-8499 during regular business hours, Monday-Friday from 9 am-5 pm.
Join us for “Total Eclipse of the Park” in Marion, IL on April 8th to witness this rare event for yourself. HURRY, tickets are limited!
Mt Dew Park- Marion
Mtn Dew Park is in the path of totality on Monday, April 8, and the Family Fun will be lights out during “Total Eclipse of the Park.” Turn around, Bright Eyes and experience the Total Solar Eclipse “Thrillville-Style”!
The eclipse will take place over the course of nearly three hours with the maximum viewing time at Mtn Dew Park taking place at 2:03 pm.
Start of Partial Eclipse: 12:43 pm
Start of Total Eclipse: 1:59 pm
End of Total Eclipse: 2:03 pm
End of Partial Eclipse: 3:18 pm
Check out what the Thrillbillies have in store:
Premium Viewing of the Eclipse from the comfort of Mtn Dew Park
Join Coach Ralph Santana and Ryder the Rabbit on the field for: Corn Hole, Pedal Cart Races, Wiffle Ball Homerun Derby, Bumper Billie Battles
4-H Club has 5-star fun for the Kids on the Mtn Dew Park Concourse
Enjoy Mtn Dew Parks Better-Than-Ballpark Food and Drinks (for kids of all ages).
Tickets are $10 per person. This includes parking and a pair of Commemorative 2024 Solar Eclipse Glasses.
Tickets are available online at: https://www.etix.com/.../total-eclipse-of-the-parkapril...
For the VIP experience, you can add on a Commemorative 2024 Eclipse T-Shirt and ballpark lunch online.
For Group Tickets or questions, call the Mtn Dew Park Box Office at (618) 998-8499 during regular business hours, Monday-Friday from 9 am-5 pm.
Join us for “Total Eclipse of the Park” in Marion, IL on April 8th to witness this rare event for yourself. HURRY, tickets are limited!
Tamaroa
Solar Eclipse Fair
At the City Park
9am to 5pm
Cobden
Historic Bell Hill
12-3 pm
If you are looking for the PERFECT family-friendly place to watch the April 8, 2024, Solar Eclipse, join us at the Historic Bell Hill overlook for one of the best views in Southern Illinois
*Please note that this event will proceed rain or shine. Tickets are non-refundable due to weather that may be considered less desirable*
Goreville
Goreville City Park
7 am-4 pm
Family Fun Day for the Solar Eclipse 2024 at Goreville Village Park. Activities will include: Concessions (pulled pork, shaved ice, and more), Johnson County ESDA Communication Trailer, Miss Solar Eclipse Pageant, LIVE MUSIC, Face Painting, Craft Fair, 50-50 drawing. More activities will be added as plans are secured
Solar Eclipse Fair
At the City Park
9am to 5pm
Cobden
Historic Bell Hill
12-3 pm
If you are looking for the PERFECT family-friendly place to watch the April 8, 2024, Solar Eclipse, join us at the Historic Bell Hill overlook for one of the best views in Southern Illinois
*Please note that this event will proceed rain or shine. Tickets are non-refundable due to weather that may be considered less desirable*
Goreville
Goreville City Park
7 am-4 pm
Family Fun Day for the Solar Eclipse 2024 at Goreville Village Park. Activities will include: Concessions (pulled pork, shaved ice, and more), Johnson County ESDA Communication Trailer, Miss Solar Eclipse Pageant, LIVE MUSIC, Face Painting, Craft Fair, 50-50 drawing. More activities will be added as plans are secured